Arsene Wenger has explained his decision to start 20-year-old Ainsley Maitland-Niles against Liverpool on Friday night.

Arsenal boss Wenger picked the 20-year-old to play left-back in a back four, changing up his usual three defenders.

The decision came as a surprise to many, especially given summer signing Sead Kolasinac's form so far this season.

The Frenchman revealed he made the selection in a bid to counter Mohamed Salah's pace.

Liverpool's summer signing has been in sensational form so far this season, and is the Premier League's top scorer with 14 goals.

Ainsley Maitland-Niles earned himself a start against Liverpool (
Image:
Getty Images Europe)

Speaking prior to kick-off, Wenger told Sky Sports: "He [Maitland-Niles] has done well and his pace against Salah. It's important to be quick against him and he has good recovery runs.

Arsene Wenger believes in the young defender (
Image:
Arsenal FC via Getty)

"When you're 20 years old and you get your chance, you're ready to grab it. You just have to go for it and that's what you want from a player"

"I’m not the kind of manager that makes these 1-on-1 duels. We don’t play like this. Wenger is a very experienced manager, he will have an idea why he’s playing there. He’s a very talented boy."

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